What is the Flat Creek Watershed Improvement District?
The Flat Creek Watershed Improvement District (FCWID) exists to protect private property and public infrastructure from winter flooding in the area between Karns Meadow and High School Road, where most winter flooding issues are concentrated. The FCWID is a special district that is run by a five-member elected Board of Directors. The FCWID works closely with, and as a sub-board of, the Teton Conservation District.
Why did I get a ballot in the mail?
Election day for the FCWID Board of Directors occurs every two years in November. Those who own property and those who live within FCWID boundaries are qualified to vote. This year (2023) electors will choose two directors for four-year terms.
What are current FCWID projects?
Excavators: One of the primary challenges faced by the FCWID is the threat of winter flooding. A specific type of ice, called frazil ice, forms in Flat Creek. It’s made up of tiny loose crystals and forms in very cold and turbulent water. This ice can accumulate quickly, forming dams that completely block the channel, and in Flat Creek, flood neighboring yards, streets, and buildings. Excavators are utilized as a critical tool to remove these large and challenging ice dams. When excavators are used, the FCWID works closely with the Town of Jackson and affected property owners, to ensure safety and natural resource protection.
Thaw Wells: The work of the FCWID also includes diligent efforts to implement long-term, low-impact solutions. The FCWID and Town of Jackson Public Works operate three thaw wells along Flat Creek. The thaw wells draw ground water (that is much warmer at 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit) and discharge it into Flat Creek. Even this small amount of water has been shown to prevent ice dam formation in the region below the thaw wells. By partnering with the Teton Conservation District, FCWID applied for a FEMA grant to install two new thaw wells. With a total of five thaw wells in operation, it's expected that even during exceptionally cold years, like the winter of 2022/2023, the impact of flooding can be significantly reduced.
A big thanks to FCWID, the Town of Jackson, and Teton Conservation District for their efforts in mitigating emergency flooding on Flat Creek.
FCWID Mission Statement: The mission of the Flat Creek Watershed Improvement District is to explore and implement ways to prevent damage to private property and public infrastructure due to winter flooding of Flat Creek while simultaneously respecting water rights, representing the best interests of the district’s property owners and residents, and maintaining and improving water and habitat quality within the stream corridor.
Visit FCWID website here
Thaw well locations and boundary outline of Flat Creek Watershed Improvement District
An ice dam forms along Flat Creek near Smith’s in February 2023
Flat Creek in Russ Garaman Park in January 2022